The Secretary-General said he has put forward an ambitious eight-point agenda to "make migration work" for all: migrants, societies of origin and societies of destinations alike.

Among the suggestions he said we need to lower the costs of migration; end the exploitation to which migrants are vulnerable, including human trafficking; address the plight of stranded migrants; improve public perceptions of migrants; integrate migration into the development agenda; strengthen the migration evidence base; and enhance migration partnerships and cooperation.

“Too often, migrants live in fear — of being victimized as the so-called "other"; of having little recourse to justice; or of having their wages or passports withheld by an unscrupulous employer. We cannot remain silent. We need to eliminate all forms of discrimination against migrants, including those related to working conditions and wages. We need to create more channels for safe and orderly migration, and to seek alternatives to the administrative detention of migrants.” (37″)

Secretary-General Ban says migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future, adding, "it is part of the social fabric, part of our very make-up as a human family."